Our offices will be closed over the festive season from mid day Christmas Eve until Tuesday 4th January 2022, however we will still be checking in on some members on Christmas Day and periodically throughout the week. I have also added below some useful contacts where needed.
But before we sign off to take some time to recharge for ourselves we have brought together a short video of just some of the things we have been up to in the last month together. It has been a mixture of some truly sad times peppered with some fun times along the way. It does not cover everything but we hope you enjoy it and we look forward to being back again on Tuesday 4th January 2022.
Our thoughts are with you all at this time. And we thank you all for your kindness and support throughout the Year in Caring Together. Wishing you all a peaceful and safe holidays.
Press play and turn the volume on if you wish!
Also, please see below a copy of our useful contacts for over the holidays from our recent newsletter.
We had our last digital session this week. We have been having some fun. We made a mini drama along with some pictures that we took. We hope you enjoy!
If safe to do so, we look forward to being back again in the New Year to continue our learning together. If you wish to come along then please get in touch. Call: 07436 530073 or Email: lisa@caringtogether.org.uk
A message from the leader of Leeds City Council, Councillor James Lewis
Dear Resident
This month we marked the anniversary of the first Covid vaccination in the world and the start of the biggest vaccination programme in NHS history. Since then, over 1.3 million vaccinations have been delivered in Leeds, which is an incredible achievement. My thanks go to all frontline workers, volunteers, and residents for your ongoing efforts in fighting this virus.
Unfortunately, recent news has focused on the new Omicron variant of Covid, and the anticipated rapid rise in infections. Covid will continue to be a feature of our lives for some time to come so we need to continue to manage the risk to ourselves and others. Although the current position is not the one we were hoping for, particularly at this time of year, we will get through this if we keep working together as a city.
The best thing we can all do is get vaccinated and have your booster when invited. This is the most effective way of protecting yourself, your family and your friends. Please continue to follow the guidance to keep yourself and others safe. Get tested, and self-isolate if you are required to. Make sure you wear your mask and if you’re indoors try to keep the room well ventilated.
I never fail to be impressed by how the people and organisations of Leeds come together to support one another through these challenging times. With the holiday period coming up I do hope you all get the opportunity to connect with family and friends and to celebrate Christmas safely. For those who will be working and keeping vital services across the city running, I extend my thanks.
I would like to wish you all a very safe, happy and healthy Christmas and New Year. The New Year brings in new opportunities, and we have much to look forward to, so let us all look forward to a better 2022.
Cllr James Lewis Leader Leeds City Council
Top 5 tips to keep safe and well this festive season
To help reduce the spread of the new Omicron variant and covid during the festive season, here are some top tips to keep you and your friends and family safe:
We want to hear your thoughts on our budget proposals for next year
The council is currently consulting on the proposed budget for the upcoming year.
Changes to government funding, increased costs in dealing with the ongoing impacts of Covid, a loss of income, as well as increases in demand for services for some of our most vulnerable residents mean that we need to look closely at what we can do to balance our books and provide savings where possible.
We’re really interested in your views on how we spend money and set a balanced budget. We’re also keen to hear your thoughts on how we can improve the way that we deliver services, and where there might be opportunities to do things in more modern and efficient ways.
Our City Ambition looks at how partners across all parts of the city work together and embrace a successful Team Leeds approach, as we have demonstrated and done so well during the pandemic. The ambition focuses on tacking poverty and inequality and is underpinned by a continued commitment to strength-based approaches, harnessing a contribution from everyone, working across sectors with you the citizen at the centre of activity. Join the conversation and provide us with your thoughts on the Ambition.
Winter Warmth
Are you ready for Winter? There are some simple steps we can all take to stay well.
Be prepared. Keep warm, keep active, seek help if you’re struggling with fuel bills.
From the 15th December 2021 you will need to use a NHS COVID Pass when travelling abroad to some countries and as a condition of entry at large venues and events.You can get the pass digitally through the NHS App or online via NHS.UK or as a letter sent to you in the post. Find out more about the NHS Covid Pass https://www.gov.uk/guidance/nhs-covid-pass…
Our festive wreaths were finished off this week, they looked beautiful. Joyce donated hers to Caring Together which is on our door. Our skills share craft get together’s have now finished for this year. However, all being well and if safe to do so we are back in the New Year on Wednesday 12th January 2022 at 11am.
If you wish to come along then please do, and if you need any more information about what we will be up to in January please call Lisa 07436 530073 or email: lisa@caringtogether.org.uk
We enjoyed another round of bingo this week. For some this was in person at Lovell Park Court in Little London, for others it was from the comfort of their own homes; online and for another it was via the phone. It was very lively and fun.
If you wish to join us next time then get in touch we would love to see you.
Call Lisa 07436 530073 or email: lisa@caringtogether.org.uk
What a joyous afternoon. And even though it was a bit chilly, thankfully the rain held off for us. To keep us warm we had blankets, hot chocolate, soup and some hot drinks. We were also treated to some homemade mince pies, vegan cake & mince pies and some chocolates. The beautiful sounds from the choir warmed us further. Thank you to LUUMIC Choir, our members, volunteers, the team at Caring Together, our funders, the Community, Cllr Al Garthwaite and the Lord Mayor who braved the elements to be with us. And to those who could not make it I have put some pictures up for you with a video to follow.
Headingley, Hyde Park & Woodhouse News – @HeadingleyCouncillors – LUU Music Impact in the Community – LUUMIC @luumusicimpactinthecommunity @LordMayorLeeds
Last week we were back and began our festive sessions, which will run for 3 weeks on Wednesday’s at 11am. We shared our finished cushions and blankets from the last skills share. Thank you to everyone who shared their skills, they look amazing. We will be distributing them out to members in the coming months. Last week we were putting up our handcrafted decorations on our tree (the tree was kindly donated by Lindsey) for our 1st Christmas in our new premises. Together we have also been making some window decorations. We will put them up this week so keep an eye out for them.
This Wednesday, 8th December at 11am we are bringing together our own mini festive wreaths and sharing some lunch together afterwards.
Please get in touch if you wish to join us. Email lisa@caringtogether.org.uk or call 07436 530073
You are warmly invited to a festive get together at our premises this Wednesday 8th December @ 1.30pm. We are delighted to have the Leeds University Union LUU Music Impact in the Community – LUUMIC Choir coming along to bring some festive cheer. There will be hot drinks and home made mince pies and vegan cake. And some hot chocolate too.
It will be in the square just outside our offices so if you are able to join us then a coat and maybe a hat will be recommended.
Walking down Briggate this week I was disappointed in its Christmas lights display. As with last year, banners cross the street at a high level with messages which I didn’t find particularly easy to read due to their height and style. Mindful of those walking around me and not wishing to bump into them, I still am unaware of their messages!
What a shame though that the main shopping street has the least decoration compared to years gone by. Turning left and right, the side streets offer better displays and of course our beautiful Arcades are exquisitely adorned, lifting the spirits. On my walk I decided to visit John Lewis, a Store I rarely visit but was bowled over by their wonderful silver, very modern style Christmas Tree situated outside the main entrance.
However, walking around town, I just felt ‘something’ was missing. The shops no longer have the lavish window displays to admire. My mind wandered back to when even the (many) shoe shops of yesteryear would have tinsel or a few baubles amongst the shoes, winter boots or handbags. The couple of remaining Stores have large windows but for some reason these days, they are simply dressed with a couple of outfits, and maybe a cushion or throw, hardly a head-turner to draw customers in!
Do you remember when, back in the late 1980s, the Council started Thursday late night shopping until 9pm? Oh the novelty of it all. My son was in a pushchair ( those days when they had to be folded up to board the bus – the pushchair not the child that is!) and we wandered around the City centre, marvelling at the lights and excitement in the shops. There were even ‘Santa Specials’ – buses trimmed with fairy lights and tinsel, the driver dressed accordingly, to take shoppers around the main streets, for a minimal charge. At 9pm the shops closed their doors and long queues formed at every bus stop around town. The 51 and 52 buses which ran more to time back then still had their moments due to the increased traffic but who cared? There was a sense of excitement and camaraderie as we all chatted about our evening of shopping. I distinctly remember how many shoppers carried rolls of wrapping paper, not the ones we buy now, but a roll of separate sheets, secured with a rubber band, purchased from a vendor at street corners, their ‘stall’ being a clothes airer on which were draped brightly coloured papers, ten sheets for £1 or was it 50p then? Probably. It was always intriguing to know whether there may be a different design on yet another airer where a closer inspection and possible purchase ensued.
When I worked at Rackhams (previously Schofield’s and later becoming House of Fraser) in the old ‘Woolies’ building, we would hold a special Christmas evening. The Coffee Shop would serve festive food and the music tapes the staff knew by heart would be given an extra play throughout the store. Lively orchestral music and I think Cliff Richard’s ‘Mistletoe and Wine’ but certainly no Slade! My job as Management Secretary entailed hiring Victorian/Edwardian costumes for the staff, even the Store Manager, to wear. There was such excitement, apart from the Carpets dept. who missed out on the fun. We didn’t have a Toy dept. or Grotto but offered a Christmas Emporium and plans were made for the following year to have myself and another secretary dressed as elves. I felt it was time to leave before that came into force and ironically joined the Playhouse whence the costumes had been hired from!
Many of us will remember the wonderful Grotto in Lewis’s. The queue would stretch back down the staircase overlooking the Headrow. Half a dozen themed displays would capture the hearts of young and old. Pantomime characters, or woodland creatures would glisten in the artificial snow, glittering from the coloured lights, magical scenes!. By modern standards it would have been quite simple, but it was of its time and became a tradition for so many families to visit each year.
I do miss those shop windows of years gone by. Window shopping was a pastime enjoyed by many, whether gift ideas or crockery and glassware, the displays were magnetic and spectacular. Everyday items, such as an Addis kitchen set would be adorned with tinsel, sparkling alongside windows festooned with artificial snow from which peeped out, glittery brooches, necklaces, and rings. Sequinned evening bags and sparkly shoes or perhaps a beautiful stole and long gloves for those being invited to annual dinner dances. I remember particularly a showcase in Schofields on the Headrow displaying heavy sequinned tops to wear with a long velvet skirt. So expensive were the fabulous garments, they were displayed flat in the showcase rather than on a rail. In the Menswear depts. would be frilled dress shirts and huge velvet bow ties! Velvet dinner jackets too. These days many of those items are more likely to be found on vintage rails of charity shops! As for sequinned tops, dresses and all accessories, they are everywhere and at a fraction of the price but they don’t seem to be in shop windows any more…..Oh well, I suppose it’s a sign of my age that I like to look back on those simpler, but yet at the same time, more ‘glamorous’ days!
